Simonovic Bratic: What will the Council of Europe do to protect Serbian pilgrims?

A member of the Serbian delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Dunja Simonovic Bratic, pointed out during a session of the body yesterday the arrest of Serbian pilgrims in Kosovo, emphasizing that the regime in Pristina is attempting to revise history, take over Serbian monasteries, and ultimately create its own Orthodox Church.

Simonovic Bratic, while addressing a question to the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, stated that 16 pilgrims were arrested in Prizren yesterday, who had come to visit Serbian monasteries and holy sites.

"This is the worst violation of religious rights and an abuse of the law. Those arrested came to visit monasteries and sacred places. The illegal regime in Pristina is trying to rewrite history and take over Serbian monasteries in order to eventually create its own Orthodox Church. What will you do to protect these people?" she emphasized.

The Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner noted that he intends to visit Kosovo soon.

He stressed that he would advocate for the rights of all people, regardless of religion or origin, with full respect for their faith and background.

"I am not familiar with the case you mentioned, which occurred yesterday. I am convinced that the protection of holy sites, whether churches, mosques, or synagogues, is key to safeguarding human rights and democracy on our continent," O'Flaherty underscored.